Edge of Silence – Bothies and Solitude Collection Jenny Mason-Gunning Intaglio Etching

When I got up at 4am in the morning to go and draw at Callanish Stones, I did some great drawings and took some incredible photographs however it was then I noticed the Bothies sitting neatly on the peninsular. I could not help myself, I had to go exploring and this is some of the work that was produced because of this trip.I wanted to capture the absolute serenity of this incredible place in my work, and I wanted to work on a large scale. I do not know anyone else apart from my father who works so big and I do not know why because it pushes you beyond boundaries. The way the acid etches the metal is wonderful to watch and control and then printing a plate on this scale is a complete different ball game to printing something smaller. I love the overall effect of the aquatint and I love the tonal contrasts I have got. Steel is difficult to get massive tonal differences but I achieved exactly what I wanted so I was ever so pleased.This is a 2mm thick steel etching printed onto Fabriano Rosso 320 gsm paper using handmade etching ink deep black with a touch of Turquoise. Printed with my No. 3 Etching printing press.